Ten Cents a Dance

Ruth Etting

About Ten Cents a Dance

"Ten Cents a Dance" is a popular song in which a taxi dancer laments the hardships of her job. The music was written by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Lorenz Hart. The song was published in 1930. The song was originally written for Lee Morse who was acting in the musical Simple Simon, but when Morse showed up intoxicated at the Boston opening of the musical, Florenz Ziegfeld fired her. She was replaced by Ruth Etting in the show, and Etting popularized the song as well in a Columbia recording made in 1930. This recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2012 it was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry list of "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" American sound recordings. Barbara Stanwyck starred in the film Ten Cents a Dance (1931), which was inspired by the song. In the MGM biographical film about Etting, Love Me or Leave Me (1955), the song is performed by Doris Day. The Day recording was also released by Columbia. Michelle Pfeiffer also performs the song in the film The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989). 


Year:
1981
3:14
130 
#3

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Ten cents a dance, that's what they pay me
Gosh, how they weigh me down
Ten cents a dance, pansies and rough guys
Tough guys who tear my gown

Seven to midnight I hear drums
Loudly the saxophone blows
Trumpets are tearing my eardrums
Customers crush my toes

Sometimes I think I've found my hero
But it's a queer romance
All that you need is a ticket
Come on, big boy, ten cents a dance!

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Ruth Etting

Ruth Etting (November 23, 1897 – September 24, 1978) was an American singing star and actress of the 1920s and 1930s, who had over 60 hit recordings and worked in stage, radio, and film. She is known as "America's sweetheart of song". Her signature tunes were "Shine On, Harvest Moon", "Ten Cents a Dance" and "Love Me or Leave Me". Her other popular recordings included "Button Up Your Overcoat", "Mean to Me", "Exactly Like You" and "Shaking the Blues Away". more »

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Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

History
"Ten cents a dance" is a popular song that was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. - It was first introduced by Barbara Newberry in a musical titled "Simple Simon."
Composition
The song describes the life of a dance hostess who gets paid by male patrons for dances. - The lyrics express the woman's struggles and hardships, leading it to be considered a torch song.
Ruth Etting Version
Ruth Etting, popular during the 1930s, made this song one of her signature performances. - Her performance made the song a classic in American popular music.
Recording by Doris Day
Doris Day recorded a rendition of "Ten cents a dance" in the album "What Every Girl Should Know" in 1960. - Day also played Ruth Etting in the 1955 film "Love Me or Leave Me" where she portrayed the stories of Etting's life and career; however, she did not sing "Ten Cents a Dance" in the movie.
Other Performances
The song has been covered by numerous other artists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Frank Sinatra. - It has also notably featured in films including "Annie" (1982) and "Pennies from Heaven" (1981).
Critical Reception
"Ten Cents a Dance" is recognized as one of the great songs from the American Songbook, due to its poignant lyrics and memorable melody.
Legacy
The song's title "Ten cents a dance" has been referenced in various other media, showcasing its lasting cultural impact.

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